Creating High-Performance Learning Environments
Classroom furniture is the foundational building block of a quality learning environment. Seating must be comfortable and durable. Worksurfaces must be adequate to specific tasks—note-taking, laptop computer use, experiments, etc. Beyond these functional aspects, the classroom image portrayed correlates to student perception of your performance expectations. An attractive, highly functional, quality environment tells them you expect excellence.

Respected as a foremost expert in classroom furniture, KI can help you plan for and achieve optimal high-performance learning environments. Contact your KI rep for planning assistance. KI makes educational furniture specifically designed for today’s colleges and universities. You get the most comprehensive selection of educational furnishings available for planning your classrooms.

Space & Capacity
Furniture must provide the right fit for the desired solution while maximizing space.

• Rooms with only one entrance/exit can, per fire code, accommodate a maximum of 49 students 
• Rooms planned for 75 students or more usually benefit from Fixed Seating solutions (see AUDITORIUM/ LECTURE HALL) 
• Seating facing the narrow wall - creates optimal viewing for audio/visuals
• Seating facing the wide wall - provides maximum front-of-room instructional area - more intimate atmosphere

Spatial Considerations
Instructor                          50 - 100 sq. ft.
Tablet arm chairs               16 - 19 sq. ft. per student
Tables and chairs               22 - 32 sq. ft. per student
Theater-style seating          11 - 15 sq. ft. per student
Continuous table/chairs       17 - 22 sq. ft. per student

Example with Continuous Table/Chairs: 40 students = 900 sq. ft. room - 100 sq. ft. instructor space ÷ 20 sq. ft. per student

Student Seating Capacity = Total square footage of room minus 50-100 square feet of instructor space, divided by the square footage per student (depending on type of furniture to be used).

Recommendations for Seating Specification
Table depth     18" to 24"
Table width      32" to 36" per student 
                      40" to 48" per student with a fixed desktop computer
Riser height     6" to 7"
Riser depth      50" to 57" 
                      (18" to 24" for table / 32" to 35" for chair )

Comfort
Comfort is critical to maintaining student focus and attention. 

• Comfort is the key factor in better performance and productivity 
• Comfortable spaces are beneficial to students
  — Longer attention spans
  — Improved academic performance
• Ergonomic design
  — Articulating chair backs for proper support
  — Open trunk/thigh angle for better comfort, better breathing, better attention
  — Rolled-edge seat fronts eliminate behind-the-knee pressure 
• Improved tablet arm design
  — Oversized options provide larger worksurface
  — Classrooms should plan for at least 10% left-handed tablet arms 
• Wood-grain laminate surfaces add richness and warmth to space, while lighter-color laminates can minimize eye fatigue.

Engage Students and Encourage Interaction
College and university classrooms should inspire presenters who rely on improvisation, spontaneity and audience participation. Technology has had a huge impact on both faculty and students. Computer presentations maximize teaching styles, empower the faculty and expand connectivity. This puts new demands on presentation space, presentation media and classroom lighting.

Laptop computers have revolutionized learning with student response systems, WiFi and other emerging technologies. This has increased the demand for small, WiFi enabled alcoves, break-out spaces and cyber cafes.

Classroom Configurations

For more information about KI's Classroom furniture solutions, contact a KI representative today.